Sunday, June 12, 2011

Welcome Home Marley

Marley has officially come home.  Thank you to everyone who made it possible, there are literally no words that describe how happy I was when the auctioneer said "Sold to his trainer, Lauren Kolker!".

When I started this project, I thought it would be a great opportunity to change a horse's life and make a small dent in the thousands of mustangs who need to be adopted.  I didn't expect for that little horse to come in and change my life.  Mike was joking to the Mustang Heritage Foundation staff today that on day 4 I cried (which I actually did) and said "we only have 86 more days with him!" but thankfully, I was wrong.

I now plan to slow Marley's training down a bit, he is only 4 after all.  We will keep riding, playing, clicking, and growing, but without the pressure of a time line.  We will continue to build a solid foundation, and Mike will be taking weekly riding lessons on Marley.  There is so much in our future, but for right now, I just want to enjoy this moment.  When Mike and I said "Marley! You're officially ours!" he looked at us and I could have sworn he was saying "wasn't I already?"

Photo by Katherine Payne Photography
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25 comments:

  1. Humane ObserverJune 12, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Congratulations, Lauren! I am truly happy that Marley's new herd is now official. :)

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  2. AnonymousJune 12, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    Lauren...can't express how happy we are for you guys...this is just the beginning of a wonderful journey...congrats to you guys! a great story, and its just beginning! melody

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  3. Mary Miller JordanJune 12, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    That is the most adorable picture of you three! So happy for you!!!!

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  4. MaryJune 12, 2011 at 11:11 PM

    I am so happy for you guys. I couldn't have asked for a better ending...Or should I say beginning. I do hope you will keep me "posted" maybe with some pictures now and then on here. All the best for you guys! Yay!!!

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  5. MareJune 13, 2011 at 2:03 AM

    I'm so happy for you guys. There were tears in my eyes as I read this. What a wonderful picture! I'm can't wait to continue reading about you and your very special horse...

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  6. KJJune 13, 2011 at 3:11 AM

    Love a happy ending. :o)

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  7. BarbaraJune 13, 2011 at 4:48 AM

    Congratulations! I am so glad it worked out and I hope you will continue to blog about Marley and let us all know how he is doing.

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  8. Linda HanickJune 13, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Congratulations! I, as many others, have loved following your journey with Marley--a perfect match!

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  9. MDuke and DustyJune 13, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS! Very happy for all three of you - it is an awesome adventure to "tame" a Wild Horse and one that not many people can ever exeperience. A big hug to Marley and enjoy your continued success with him - sure to see you guys galloping the cross country course winning the Kentucky Rolex one day!!!

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  10. DaisyJune 13, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    OMGosh! I literally screamed YES!!!, at my computer when I saw your picture come up on my blogroll!!! SO SO SO happy for you!! And truly- this is the best picture!!!! I trust you'll keep blogging? You're very gifted at it and fun to follow!

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  11. DaisyJune 13, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    I could not contain my joy for you - I told your story complete with pic and link on my blog. I hope that's okay! =^D

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  12. Lesley HathornJune 13, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    That is wonderful, Lauren. Terrific news.

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  13. SprinklerBanditJune 13, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    Hooray! So glad you guys are all staying together.

    Keep us posted.

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  14. KateJune 13, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    I am SO happy for you!!!! Congratulations!

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  15. ChelsieJune 13, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Yay! I'm so glad you got to keep him! Congrats!

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  16. Ashley GrahamJune 13, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Yay, Lauren! I am so happy for you and Marley (and Mike)! Please keep blogging about Marley! You're great at it and it's so much fun to read. I looked forward everyday to updates on Marley and I want them to keep coming!

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  17. RitaJune 13, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    Wow! I got teary eyed! That picture shows it all. Love and joy! I'm so glad you guys can slow down a little and take things at your own pace now, too. And that there will be more male bonding. After all, Mike also fell in love with Marley. ;)

    I vicariously fell in love with Marley, too, and look forward to more pictures and videos and stories. :):)

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  18. Grace SimpsonJune 13, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    I am so glad. I knew that this would happen! Good luck in the future and keep on blogging!

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  19. SandiJune 13, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  20. SandiJune 13, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Of course he was thinking that... after all, he was! I am beyond thrilled for you all, especially for Marley!! It is a good thing I found out from you on the phone before I read it or I would have probably been escorted out of the library! I cannot wait to come to Colorado and meet the newest addition to the family... oh, and to meet Mike too! Love you!

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  21. marietJune 13, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    I am so happy for you guys! That is so great i cried. What a awesome journey.God bless you and Marley!!

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  22. nbramlettJune 13, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    Congratulations to all three of you. Your mom called me yesterday to say you were the proud owner. So happy for you. I don't think I could have let him go if it were me. There would have been a case of horse-napping in the news. You gotta love happy endings.

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  23. AnonymousJune 13, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Lauren....such great news that you and that sweet Marley will be a forever family now! We loved watching you at the makeover and we all thought that you two belonged together....congrats!! how lucky you both are!

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  24. AnonymousJune 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Glad Marley is now yours. Great photo. Terry

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  25. Achieve1dreamJuly 22, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    I' started at the beginning of the blog and I'm not caught up. Congrats on getting to keep Marley! I'm so excited and happy for you. The bidding must have been the most nerve wracking moments of your life. I can't wait to hear how the competition went now that we know the important part. :)

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